Zijlstra has released many albums but has always remained one of the Netherlands' best kept secrets. Perhaps because this quintet around singer, trumpet player and songwriter Jeroen Zijlstra is a bit too headstrong and raw to thrive in the cabaret or pop world and therefore lingers somewhat in between. That's a shame, even when you hear what Zijlstra has to offer at Samen In Zee. A typical Dutch
… fishermen's folk and sailor romance wanders through the songs, written from the heart and sung by ex-fisherman Zijlstra with his vocal cords tanned by sea salt. It's great how the clear voice of Lydia van Dam contrasts with this while the music sways capriciously between jazz, pop and folk music. The highlight of Samen In Zee is undoubtedly the ode to Ramses Shaffy, the moving Blues For Ramses, a song that has already been announced in the opener Van Lieverlee Naar Ongewis through which Shaffy's Sammy travels. Beautiful album by a unique group that should be cherished a bit more in the Netherlands. (MR)more
